Chiefs camp report: Poe has ‘a ways to go’

[Hammock Parties]

This whole article is

Woe is Poe

Almost from the start of training camp, coach Romeo Crennel has tried to downplay expectations for rookie nose tackle Dontari Poe, the Chiefs first-round draft pick. Crennel put that in his strongest terms yet on Wednesday when asked what Poe needs to improve on in order to get more playing time.

“A lot,” Crennel said. “He needs to work on technique, he needs to work on understanding the system, he needs to get the calls correct all the time. He’s got a ways to go.”

Anthony Toribio, who spent all of last season on the practice squad, remains as the starting nose tackle ahead of Poe on the depth chart. Poe enters the lineup on obvious passing downs when the Chiefs use their nickel defense.

Poe acknowledged the difficulty of adjusting to the NFL game.

“It’s all different,” he said. “The technique of it, there’s nothing the same about the college level. The only thing the same is that it’s football. As far as the speed level and the strength and all that, you’ve got to learn it all over again.

“I still have a ways to go but I’m getting better every day. I’m just trying to do what I can, trying to do everything they teach me.”

Tackling issues

To prevent injuries, the Chiefs have not done tackling drills during training camp. That could lead to some tackling problems in Friday night’s game.

“It’s not excused,” Crennel said. “On defense your job is to tackle, so tackle. Even though we don’t tackle in practice, your job is to tackle, so you tackle.”

Crennel said he wouldn’t work on tackling next week when camp resumes even if the Chiefs struggle in that area against Arizona.

“If I tackle Jamaal Charles, and he gets hurt, then you’re going to blame me for tackling,” Crennel said. “So, I’m going to use my best judgment to get those guys in position to tackle and make plays and try to keep my guys as healthy as I can, so I can get them to the regular season and we’re able to play at a good level. Everybody in the NFL has the same problem, trying to keep guys healthy and how to practice and get work done without exposing your guys to possible injury.”

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/08...#storylink=cpy

[BoneKrusher]

way to cover your ass there Romeo.

[KCrockaholic]

Clay has gone full on troll. He doesn't just do it at the Mane anymore, but against his own team also. Kind of sad...

...Not that my last thread wasn't troll-like

I don't do it often, so I deserve a pass.

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by Laz

I expect more out of you than this Laz.

Read the stats. We win when we run the ball with MC... not with him passing. It's right there in black and white... all over the Planet... yet many of you choose to ignor the facts.

Some... I expect it. Not you though.

[KC Jones]

I'm trying not to read much into the hype on Toribio, but I'm hoping he's half as good as they have been making him out to be. It would be a godsend if we have a decent NT and can bring Poe along slowly.

I'm far more concerned about depth along the OL at this point.

[KCrockaholic]

Originally Posted by KC Jones

I'm trying not to read much into the hype on Toribio, but I'm hoping he's half as good as they have been making him out to be. It would be a godsend if we have a decent NT and can bring Poe along slowly.

I'm far more concerned about depth along the OL at this point.

FWIW Shaun Smith, and a handful of other Chiefs lineman have had great things to say about Toribio over the last couple years. Basically saying he's going to be a solid player with time.

I remember Dorsey and Gilberry having some high remarks for Toribio the last couple years. They seemed to have faith in him.

[BigRock]

Originally Posted by Just Not Gettin' It

Wilfork only started 6 games as a rookie. Hampton started 11. Ted Washington didn't start in his first season, and only started 6 games in his sophomore season. They seem to have worked out alright. Maybe Babb should take a Midol.

Babb's not saying anything bad about Poe. Babb is saying Poe looks like he could be a star, but people need to be patient with him.

[KCrockaholic]

Originally Posted by BigRock

Babb's not saying anything bad about Poe. Babb is saying Poe looks like he could be a star, but people need to be patient with him.

Like with most defensive lineman. As we all know first hand.

[Direckshun]

Every single one of us expects Poe to struggle this year.

Hopefully, he starts getting it a year from now. And in his third year, he's a shutdown force at the nose.

Three years.

It always takes DL three years.

[Chief Roundup]

And we drafted him at 11 for what...again.

[BoneKrusher]

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup

And we drafted him at 11 for what...again.

to wait three years for him to "get it".

[philfree]

He should get alot of snaps playing in the sub package as a pass rusher this year though so maybe we'll get some production from him there.

[Just Passin' By]

Originally Posted by BigRock

Babb's not saying anything bad about Poe. Babb is saying Poe looks like he could be a star, but people need to be patient with him.

The second tweet about what is normally expected indicated, to me, that he either didn't bother doing his homework on the NT position or he had his panties in a bunch. I guessed it was the panties. If I got it wrong, I apologize for misunderstanding, but he could have just looked back to Raji, who only started one game as a rookie.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

You are a cartoon

[KCrockaholic]

Looney seems to like the idea of Bailey and Poe working up front in the 3rd down 2-4-5 set.

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by BoneKrusher

to wait three years for him to "get it".

Football is a game of investments.

If you want a dominant offensive line, you have to invest in it.